Pumpkin Pie With Auntie Anne’s Pretzel Crust

I’m kinda sorta addicted to Auntie Anne’s pretzels. The problem is that I can never get my hands on them when I want them, because here in MN, the only place you can find them is at the mall, and much as I love me a good pretzel, I’m just not willing to drive that far for a craving.

Of course I jumped at the chance to try it out. There was just one catch.

I wasn’t allowed to use the kit to bake pretzels.

I almost cried.

But then I put on my apron and got to experimenting. I like pumpkin pie. I like pretzels. Voila! The pretzel pie crust was born.

Soft, yummy, and totally delicious. Oh, and really easy to make, too.

The Auntie Anne’s At-Home Baking Kit includes everything you need to make their soft pretzels. I measured my warm water and added the yeast packet that came in the box.

A quick stir to dissolve and I could already smell the yeast activating.

Next I added the yeast/water to my dough mix. The kit has everything all pre-measured in a bag that you just pour into a mixing bowl – super easy.

Anytime I work with dough, I use my hands to mix it. I’m going to wind up kneading it with my hands anyway, so I figure using a spoon to mix the dough is only creating more dishes for me later.

Ok, so you mix the dough mix and the water to form a dough. On a floured surface, you knead the dough ball for about 5 minutes.

After you’re done kneading, you have to give the dough time to rest. Wrap the dough ball in plastic wrap that’s been lightly sprayed with non-stick coating and let it rise for about 30 minutes. This is a good time to pour yourself a glass of wine and look up Auntie Anne’s online. May as well check out their Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube while you’re at it.